by Anne Quirin – 

The excitement was palpable as the audience returned to the Benderly-Kendall Opera House on Sunday, October 31, for the first live performance there since March 2020.

The Sky Islands Piano Trio, comprising Emily Chao, violin; Juan Mejia, cello; and Evan Kory, piano; captivated the audience with their solo works, which included Schubert’s Impromptu in A-flat Major, Bach’s Cello Suite No. 2, and “Romanza”, composed for the violin by Juan Muniz, who was in attendance and introduced the piece. The program concluded with the trio’s energetic and impeccable ensemble performance of Beethoven’s Piano Trio in E-flat Major.

It was clear from the audience’s enthusiastic appreciation— and the musicians’ delighted response— that the long-awaited return of live music to this unique and treasured venue was a resounding triumph!